A flat tire is one of the most common reasons drivers call us, and it rarely happens somewhere convenient. Whether it is a quiet back road near Reidville or the shoulder of I-26, the first few minutes decide how the rest of the day goes.
Quick answer
- Slow down, turn on your hazard lights and get as far off the road as you safely can.
- Call for help right away if you are on a busy road, the shoulder is narrow, or you are not sure you can change the tire.
- Do not keep driving on a flat. It can ruin the wheel and make a small repair a big one.
Step 1: Get Off the Road Safely
Do not brake hard. Ease off the gas, turn on your hazards and steer for the widest, flattest spot you can find. A parking lot, a driveway or a wide gravel shoulder is better than a curve or the crest of a hill.
If you can only reach a spot close to traffic, stay put and stay visible. Anything you can fix in a few minutes is not worth a risky shoulder.
Step 2: Decide Whether to Change It Yourself
You can change a tire yourself only when all of these are true:
- You are on level, firm ground well away from traffic.
- You have a working spare, a jack and a lug wrench, and you know where they are.
- The tire is flat but the wheel and the sidewall are not visibly damaged.
- You feel comfortable doing it.
If any of those are missing, calling for help is the better choice. A busy road is the biggest reason. On a fast road like I-26 near Woodruff, changing a tire a few feet from passing traffic is not worth the risk.
Step 3: Know When to Call a Pro
Call for roadside assistance when:
- You are on an interstate, a curve or a narrow shoulder.
- You do not have a usable spare, or it is flat too.
- The lug nuts will not budge.
- More than one tire is damaged, or the wheel itself is bent.
- It is dark, raining, or you do not feel safe stepping out of the car.
Our operators change flat tires on site, usually in minutes, so you can keep going. That is often all you need. Not sure whether a problem is a quick fix or a tow? Our guide to whether to tow, jump or repair walks through the decision.
When a Flat Needs a Tow
Sometimes a tire cannot be fixed on the spot. A shredded tire, a bent wheel or a spare that is also flat means the car should not be driven.
If you drive an all-wheel-drive car, a lowered car or anything with suspension damage, ask for a flatbed tow so the wheels do not roll. Our flatbed guide for AWD and lowered cars explains why.
Tell Dispatch What They Need to Know
When you call (864) 756-8255, a few details help us get the right truck to you faster:
- Where you are, including the road, the nearest exit or a landmark.
- What you drive, and whether it is all-wheel or four-wheel drive.
- Whether you have a usable spare.
- Whether you are in a safe spot, and which way you are facing.
We give you an honest arrival time and a price before a truck leaves the yard. Most calls near Woodruff are reached in 25 to 40 minutes, and farther out it can run longer. We will say so on the phone.
How to Avoid the Next One
A little upkeep prevents most flats:
- Check tire pressure monthly, including the spare.
- Look for nails, bulges and worn tread when you fill up.
- Keep the jack and the lug wrench where you can reach them.
- Replace a tire when it is worn, not when it fails.
If it happens at night, our 24-hour emergency towing line is open, and for a calm step-by-step on any breakdown, see what to do if your car breaks down on SC-101.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive on a flat tire to get somewhere safe?
Only for a very short distance at a crawl, and only to get off a dangerous spot. Driving on a flat can destroy the tire and damage the wheel, so it is better to stop and call.
Is it safe to change a tire on the side of the road?
Only on level ground well away from traffic. On a busy road, a narrow shoulder or in the dark, waiting for a roadside technician is the safer choice.
Do you change flat tires?
Yes. Flat tire changes are part of our roadside assistance, along with jump starts, lockouts and fuel delivery. If the tire or wheel is too damaged to change, we can tow the car instead.
What if I do not have a spare?
Call for help and tell dispatch. Without a usable spare, the car usually needs a tow to a tire shop, and we can recommend the right truck for your vehicle.
How long will I wait for help?
Most calls near Woodruff are reached in 25 to 40 minutes. If it will take longer where you are, we tell you before a truck leaves.
